Is Penny Hardaway the answer for the Memphis basketball program?

How can a once-proud Memphis basketball program get back on track - and not just rise to the top of the American Athletic Conference but also become a consistent NCAA Tournament team that can make noise in March? Might Penny Hardaway be the guy for the job, someone who could immediately infuse energy and optimism into his alma mater, and maybe even bring with him a slew of Rivals150 prospects?

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There have been success stories from former NBA players taking over college programs, such as Tony Bennett at Washington State and Virginia, and Avery Johnson at Alabama. But there have also been dismal outcomes in the form of Reggie Theus at Cal State Northridge, Mark Price at Charlotte and Michael Curry at Florida Atlantic. Will Hardaway be more of the former or the latter?

One thing that Hardaway boasts that none of the others had was that he has coached his own travel program, one that won the coveted Nike Peach Jam in 2015, and he has been on the sidelines for a nationally ranked Memphis East High School over the past several years. Together, the two showcase the best of the best from the city of Memphis.

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If Hardaway is hired, fulfilling a rumor that has persisted even before Tubby Smith’s hiring two years ago, the city’s admiration for the beloved figure would immediately stabilize a program that is looking for such a thing. While winning the press conference would not be an issue, neither would enrolling the best recruits from the city. The class of 2019 is promising in Memphis, and Rivals150 prospects James Wiseman (the second-ranked junior), Malcolm Dandridge and Chandler Lawson have each played for Hardaway’s travel team and high school squad. They might be willing to stay local for college, although Wiseman’s recruitment will be nothing short of intriguing, as it would peg the Tigers against John Calipari’s Kentucky brigade. Something else to keep an eye on is the city’s top high school senior, Tyler Harris, who remains available. Harris has never played for Hardaway, but he could become the first of many local players to suit up for the Tigers.

The most pressing issues facing Hardaway will be putting together a coaching staff that will not only help him navigate the recruiting terrain outside of Memphis, but also abide by NCAA. Hardaway has been heavily involved within the high school and travel basketball circuits, but navigating NCAA rules can require a steep learning curve, as Chris Mullin at St. John’s and Patrick Ewing at Georgetown have found out.

The grind of the job is also something that may be new for Hardaway. Is he willing to jump on a flight after a loss so he can be in the gym that night to see one of his top high schools recruits? Is he willing to mingle with the high-end boosters instead of being with his team or at home with his family? He may have the city on lock down, but can he go out and recruit some of the best from outside of the area? That all remains in question, but a marriage between the Tigers and Hardaway would certainly be intriguing.